Ask almost anyone how to cut food costs, and they’ll likely advise, “cook at home.” Buying lunch at the office adds up each day, and dining out with the family can be alarming once the check arrives.
Still, preparing meals at home isn’t always straightforward. If you’re pressed for time, feeding family members with special diets like gluten-free or diabetic-friendly, or simply tired of your usual dishes, you may find yourself avoiding the kitchen altogether.
I’ve tracked down several free cookbooks to help change that. These PDF collections are completely free (except the third item on this list, which asks for $1 shipping), and are simple to download to your computer or tablet. You won’t need to search specialty stores — every cookbook here uses common ingredients you can grab at your neighborhood grocery.
Below are nine ways to score free recipes so you can whip up something new tonight!
This cookbook was created to deliver flavorful, interesting dishes for households that cook on a tight budget — sometimes while relying on assistance programs. But no matter your finances, author Leanne Brown demonstrates that you truly can “eat well on $4 a day.”
Most recipes are quick and straightforward, with ingredient lists that won’t send you running around town. And if you’re feeling adventurous, check the back of this free PDF for directions to make homemade pasta and dumplings.
2. 21 Days to Better Diabetes Control
How about a fresh recipe for every day of this three-week plan? From pizza bites to smoothies to spinach casserole, these dishes are uncomplicated and flavorful — suitable for a range of dietary needs. The plan is ideal for printing and includes space for keeping a food journal about what you prepare and eat.
They’ll ask for an address and phone number and a short health survey. In exchange, you’ll receive not only free recipes but also access to coupons and discount offers.
3. Disney Cakes & Sweets
I won’t promise these treats are healthy, but they’re guaranteed to be very sweet! This one requires enrolling in a free trial, but they’ll send you a Disney cookbook along with a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter and a set of cupcake stencils (you pay $1 for shipping).
The recipes include suggestions on how to involve kids in baking, even if they’re too young to work the oven. If a birthday party is coming up, this is a fun pick!
4.Tablespoon’s Spring Parties 2015 Cookbook
Register with Tablespoon to access tons of complimentary recipes and coupons for General Mills items. This spring-themed freebie works all year and offers ideas for brunches, events like baby and bridal showers, or a casual weekday grill session.
When you sign up, you’ll also receive a “Top 40 Rainbow Recipes” list delivered to your inbox for those times when your menu could use a burst of color.
5.Celiac Central Gluten-Free Choices
It’s simple to download this collection of spring and summer recipes, ideal for households managing Celiac disease. You get five recipes, including a few tempting dessert choices.
Provided by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Celiac Central’s tools include a lengthy directory of gluten-free bloggers for even more recipe ideas.
Vegan fare doesn’t have to be dull. A quick signup at Eating Well nets you a handful of recipes from salads to burgers. (Yes, burgers — the secret ingredient: lentils, an inexpensive nutrition powerhouse!)
Eating Well also offers free email updates full of recipes and tips, and you’ll be offered a chance to subscribe to the newsletters when you grab the cookbook. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly sources, check out these budget cookbooks.
7.Slow Cookin’ Magic: 28 Scrumptious Slow Cooker Recipes
Prefer to set it and forget it? This one is for the slow-cooker aficionado. From roasts to stews to sides, many of these recipes involve just three steps — or even fewer!
Sign up for Mr. Food’s Test Kitchen “Quick & Easy” Everyday Cooking newsletter to download this collection.
8.Bodyworks: A Toolkit for Healthy Teens and Strong Families
This PDF is extensive, with over 120 pages of recipes, ingredient primers and cooking shortcuts. It emphasizes healthier eating, often adding nutritious extras like fruits and vegetables rather than removing flavorful components.
This cookbook doesn’t rely on many photos, but that also means there’s no pressure to make your plate look as perfect as an image in a book!
9.Pinch of Yum’s eCookbook: Top 25 Recipes of 2014
Subscribe to this popular food blog’s newsletter and they’ll send a free cookbook featuring 25 of their favorite recipes. With sections like “Whoa Salads” and “Lotsa Pasta,” it’s tough not to appreciate this playful approach to home cooking. There’s even a recipe that upgrades instant noodles to taste like they came from a restaurant.
And there’s more: three weeks after receiving this first freebie by email, you’ll get the previous year’s top 25 recipes. Fire up the stove — and don’t forget dessert ideas from these easy dessert recipes if you want something sweet!
